Fall is officially here, and the Bayside Historical Society (BHS) in the historic Fort Totten has a full roster of events ranging from spooky to wholesome for this new season.
Most of the events take place on weekends and are free to attend. For those looking to learn more about BHS and its history, there will be an Open House on Sunday, Oct. 20, as part of the city’s annual Open House NY Weekend.
Tours of the Gothic castle on the National Register of Historic Places are also available on the second Sunday of every month. Reservations are required for one of the two 45-minute tours returning in November.
Below are all the events scheduled at the BHS this fall, from hands-on activities to historical blasts to the past and a fun way to kick off Halloween with the whole family.
Open Gardening
During three Saturday mornings this fall, the public is invited to get their hands dirty with autumnal gardening on The Castle’s grounds.
No prior gardening experience is required to weed, trim, mulch, and perform other garden maintenance tasks on the site’s pollinator garden. The garden’s beehives also produce honey that is available for purchase.
The events are free to attend, and all tools will be provided.
Saturday, Sept. 28, Oct. 12 and Oct. 26
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lawrence Cemetery Tour
BHS staff will conduct a free walking tour of the historic Lawrence Cemetery at the corner of 216th Street and 42nd Avenue. It is the burial ground for one of Bayside’s founding families and Cornelius Van Wyck Lawrence, New York City’s first popularly elected mayor.
The landmarked cemetery recently underwent much-needed repairs and maintenance, facilitating the return of the history-rich tours to the public.
Saturday, Oct. 5
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
215-15 42nd Ave, Bayside, NY 11361
Vintage Car Show
The annual BHS classic car show will feel like taking a ride back in time. A range of vintage and antique automobiles will be showcased on the Fort Totten lawn.
The free event is presented by the Long Island Sound Region of the Classic Car Club of America. Those interested in exhibiting a vehicle can inquire with the organizer.
Sunday, Oct. 6
9 a.m. to 2 p.m
208 Totten Ave, Bayside, NY 11359
Totten Trot 5K
The annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race, now in its 23rd year, is one of the BHS’s most popular events. The Halloween-themed waterfront course starts and ends at the landmarked Officers Club and passes through Little Bay Path and the Historic District.
Registration is now open for $30 and will increase to $35 on Oct. 13. Participants can also register on Race Day for $40 starting at 7:30 a.m.
There will be a Kids’ Fun Run at 10 a.m. for tiny tots and kids up to 12. It is a short-distance sprint with youth grouped by age.
Participants of all ages are encouraged to wear costumes. The event will also feature a special guest appearance by the 501st Legion’s Empire City Garrison, a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization to pose for pictures
It is a USATF Certified Course with timing and scoring provided by EliteFeats.
Sunday, Oct. 27 at 9 a.m.
Rain or shine
19th Century Baseball Game
Have you ever wondered how baseball was played in the 1880s before baseball gloves were invented? Watch the New York Mutuals and the Brooklyn Atlantics recreate it wearing replicas of the original 19th-century uniforms using balls and bats replicated from that time period.
The players will also share their historical knowledge with the audience and invite children to field grounders. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics!
Saturday, Oct. 12
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fort Totten Soccer Fields, Totten Ave. &, 15th Rd, Fort Totten, NY 11359
Open Sew
Sewing enthusiasts and those who quilt and embroider are invited to join like-minded crafters for an afternoon of socializing at an Open Sew gathering. Upstairs in the Castle’s ballroom, attendees can bring what they’re currently working on or find inspiration for a new project.
Sewing machines are limited, so those with their own are encouraged to bring them. Beginners and those doing hand work are more than welcome to attend.
Sunday, Oct. 20, Nov. 10,
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
208 Totten Ave, Bayside, NY 11359
